Thu 15 Dec 2011 - Rewarding weight loss proven effective in combating obesity

BRITS PAID TO LOSE WEIGHT

A revolutionary new weight loss programme, which pays its members an average of £10 for every pound shed - with total cash rewards potential amounting to £3,000 - has been launched to aid Brits achieve their weight loss goals and boost their bank balances.

The programme, Weight Wins, was devised following research showing that cash provided the motivation to succeed and over growing concerns of the world obesity crisis. Trials of a monthly weight loss plan that outlined cash rewards were carried out, leading to successful results.

The trials of over 1000 Brits revealed that ‘diet rewards’ caused long-term participants to lose an average of 26 lbs (nearly two stone) over 12 months, the equivalent to 12 per cent of their initial body weight. The rate of success was among the highest of any behavioural change programme, with 80 per cent of all those that took part losing weight and 87 per cent maintaining some or all of their weight loss.

The success of these trials has resulted in the launch of Weight Wins directly available to all those over 21 years of age who exceed a body mass index of 25, for as little as £2.50 a week. The programme offers a monthly weight loss plan based on members’ BMI, weight loss goals and period of time desired to achieve it.

Members are provided with monthly targets and details of the money they will earn for achieving them. Those who achieve their weight loss goal at the end of the plan receive a 50 per cent cash bonus – encouraging them to stay motivated. Members are not penalised for not achieving targets and will earn money for every pound shed, irrespective of the end result achieved.

Obesity is a growing concern in the UK, with one in every 11 deaths now linked to carrying excess fat, according to a European study. The World Health Organisation also estimates 31 million adults in the UK are obese – the highest amount in Europe – leading to a vested interest in the need to change people’s lifestyles.

Obesity specialist GP Dr. David Haslam, medical advisor to the company, commented: “People have varying degrees of willpower which is often a deciding factor in success. Financial incentives provide proven motivation without pressure, so people genuinely want to achieve goals for themselves and maintain them once feeling the satisfaction of that success. Weight Wins adds to this concept further by providing the additional support, advice and ease and has the potential to make a real difference to the obesity troubles we have in the UK.”

Further diet rewards schemes are likely to be introduced to the UK as the trend for financial incentives grows, offering further tailored approaches depending on age and circumstances.

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For more information, case study requests, interviews and images contact the Weight Wins Press Office at Mischief PR on (0) 20 3128 6600 or weightwins@mischiefpr.com, or visit www.WeightWins.com

Notes to editors

• Obesity statistics obtained from the World Health Organisation
• Contribution of excessive weight to UK deaths according to a European study
• Clinical trial results based on 1,000 participants
• The Weight Wins programme is devised to run alongside any health or weight loss choices, aiding motivation through incentives which have been proven to result in success

The Weight Wins Programme:

• Members register online at www.weightwins.com
• Members need to be over 21 and have a BMI of over 25 to qualify for the diet rewards programme
• Members that qualify choose a plan that suits them, specifying how much weight they would like to lose over a desired period of time
• Members also select the length of their ‘maintenance period’ - how long they intend to keep it off once they reach their target weight
• Weight loss targets range from 20 to 150 lbs (about 10 ½ stone), with plans ranging from 3 to 24 months in length
• Members pay a joining fee and an additional monthly fee
• Joining fees start from £35.00, with monthly membership fees on the Pounds for Pounds scheme starting from £10.00; the highest fee level has a joining fee of £95.00 and a monthly fee of £30.00 – the higher the fee level, the greater the reward, and motivation
• Altogether there are 72 plans from which to choose
• Once registered members are sent their Weight Wins welcome pack which includes a weight loss guide and other resources
• Members are requested to register their starting weight at any weigh-in location (such as pharmacies and gyms) and return their ‘weight certificate’ by freepost to Weight Wins
• On approval of their start weight members receive their personal diet rewards plan
• Members weigh in and submit their weight certificate once a month.
• Members are rewarded monthly for their weight loss and receive a large bonus if they meet their target weight at the end of plan.
• Rewards include cash or vouchers for a variety of retailers (including Boots, John Lewis and M&S)
• Rewards range between £100 to £3,000 depending upon the amount of weight loss, length of plan and fee level selected
• All member are paid their rewards on completion of their plan

Example Plan:

A typical member might sign up to a one year plan to lose 50lbs over 7 months and maintain the weight loss for 5 months. At the intermediate fee level (£65 joining fee plus £20 per month - £305 in total), the member could earn a maximum reward of £500, composed of £250 in monthly earnings and £250 in success bonus.

Is Weight Wins Safe?

Weight Wins has built in a number of measures to ensure the programme is as safe as possible. Diet rewards plans follow NICE Obesity Guidelines by only rewarding gradual long-term weight loss and maintenance. Weight Wins screens applicants for eligibility, checks that the targets are safe and monitors monthly results for excessive rates of weight loss.

Press release document: http://www.weightwins.com/press

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